The song - a reworking of the classic ‘Smile’ by local sister duo Liv n’ G with news lyrics penned for Bradley - has become a positive way for the youngsters to remember their friend.

Head teacher Joanna Clark said: “Singing the song is their tribute to Bradley. I think that’s given them something fun to focus on, and we’ve told them about how the song is raising money for other poorly children, and they understand that they are part of that, and I think that helps.”

In a touching assembly, Ms Clark shared some happy memories of Bradley with the students - making teachers and children alike laugh with stories which reflected his cheeky, fun-loving nature.

Class mates of Bradley Lowery having a special assembly in his honour at Blackhall Colliery Primary School, County Durham (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Ms Clark said: “We want it to be a celebration of his life, we know it’s going to be very difficult and sad, but we also want it to be happy, to reflect on how important he has been in our school and in our community.

“Bradley has united the whole village, the whole of the North East and, through football, the whole country.

“It’s incredible the amount of support we, as a school, have had.

“It’s really touched us all, and it’s raised awareness of neuroblastoma - a disease many of us had never heard of before Bradley joined our school.”